Native Seed and Plant Coordinator

Title: Native Seed and Plant Coordinator

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Windy City Harvest

Reports to: Senior Manager, Farm Operations  

Year-Round Full-time, four-year term; funding subject to change (continued employment contingent on ongoing program funding)

Supervises: Windy City Harvest Apprentices, Corps, Volunteers

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following: 

• Collaborate with the Negaunee Institute science team and other regional partners to identify, develop, and/or use best practices to propagate seeds and/or plants of a diverse range of native species in demand in the Chicago region for retail and wholesale sales.
• Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Farm Operations, use sustainable methods to maintain native plant production beds and plants through weeding, watering, dead heading, fertilizing, planting, transplanting, pruning, winterizing, trellising, releasing beneficial insects, removing debris, etc.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse, hoop house, low tunnels, and outdoor growing area for plant production or propagation.
• Collaborate with Negaunee Institute science team to develop and implement a system for processing, cleaning, storing, and distributing seed.
• Develop and maintain schedules and detailed records of plant growth, time and resources used to manage beds, and seed yields. Work with Negaunee Institute science team to synthesize and share best practices through the Midwest Native Seed Network.
• Monitor plant health and growing conditions using organic and ecological practices.
• Transport plants, plant material, and supplies to and from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Farm on Ogden, and/or contracted vendors.
• Implement a system on soil health management, pest control, irrigation, and composting.
• Collaborate with the Negaunee Institute science team to support research and tracking of native species performance in urban conditions.
• Operate and maintain inventory of tools and equipment.
• Support Windy City Harvest program, providing work experience for trainees from August to October.
• Educate staff, participants, volunteers, and community members on native plant benefits and seed saving techniques.
• Participate in Windy City Harvest meetings and events.

Qualifications 

Our ideal candidate will have the following: 

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or other related field, or a combination of education and hands-on work experience.
• Two growing seasons of related experience in horticulture, agriculture, and/or ecological restoration.
• At least one year of direct experience working in a greenhouse or nursery setting, including germinating and growing different plant species and/or maintaining seed beds of diverse species.
• Strong knowledge of local-regional native plant species and their ecological roles. Understanding of urban biodiversity, pollinator support, and habitat connectivity.
• Familiarity with native seed collection ethics, techniques, and germination strategies.
• Commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture principles.
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must have or be able to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds and capacity to work in all weather conditions.
• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively to coordinate site production.
• Experience following and tracking budgets accurately with Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak with all levels of employees, guests, and team members and the ability to communicate effectively via email, phone, virtual video meetings, in-person, etc.
• Able to efficiently use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Outlook email system.

Physical Demands: 

This is an urban farm setting. Staff must be able to work on their feet all day in all weather conditions performing manual labor. There will be frequent lifting, standing, walking, bending, farm tool usage, and machinery operation, as well as speaking to public, staff, and program participants. There will also be daily use of small farm machinery and post-harvest equipment. Staff are required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 pounds.